While discussing the US plan to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the chief of the Polish MFA stated that it can serve as an incentive to relaunch negotiations between both parties. In Minister Czaputowicz’s view, the Warsaw Process, involving the United States, the EU member states and other democratic countries, can create a good environment for discussing the topic.

The EU foreign ministers also talked about the current political and security situation in Libya and the possibility of the EU’s involvement in addressing the crisis, including as part of EU Mediterranean operations. Minister Czaputowicz noted that Poland supports the arrangements made at the Berlin Conference on the resolution of the conflict, as well as the efforts of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ghassan Salamé aimed at finding a lasting political solution. “While making plans, we should take into account actions that can be carried out efficiently considering the circumstances on the ground, including the difficult security situation and the unpredictability of the Libyan parties to the conflict,” said the head of Polish diplomacy. Minister Czaputowicz further noted that Poland supports the transformation of Operation SOPHIA into one mostly aimed at implementing the arms embargo.

The discussion on the relations with the African Union focused on the ongoing efforts to draft a new multiannual EU strategy for Africa, the preparations for a ministerial meeting in May this year and the October EU-African Union summit. In the opinion of Minister Czaputowicz, the future strategy should strengthen the position of the European Union as an attractive and reliable partner and bring mutual benefits that are tangible for the citizens. He said: “Our common interests cover peace and security, as well as climate change and improving business and economic prospects for generations of young Africans.” The Polish MFA head also stated that the European Union should actively tackle Russian disinformation aimed at weakening the EU’s position in Africa.

In preparation for the upcoming EU-India summit, the EU foreign ministers also met with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The ministers declared that India is the EU’s important partner with whom it shares common values and strategic interests in the area of global security, stability and international order. Minister Czaputowicz recalled the visit of Minister Jaishankar to Warsaw in August 2019 and emphasised that Poland supports developing close political and economic links between the EU and India based on negotiated agreements on trade and protection of investments.

Earlier on, during a meeting of EU foreign ministers with Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama, the Polish top diplomat stressed that Poland strongly supports the European perspective of the Western Balkans and the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia at the European Council in March this year.

MFA Press Office

photo: Tymon Markowski / MFA